Prior to beginning your search for a Ruby, keep in mind that Ruby is one of the most precious gemstones in the world. A natural Ruby therefore possessing all or most of the ideal visual and technical properties can sometimes be quite a high price per carat, sometimes fetching more per carat to an equivalent size high quality diamond. Therefore, if a ruby that you sight is of quite close to perfect in colour and clarity, and the price seems a bargain, there is a chance that the ruby is of a type other than pure Natural (with heating exempted) or heavily included for a bargain price.

1. Ruby Colour

Rubies are typically considered most desirable when the colour is a bright blood red with a hint of blue, or as it is often described as “pigeon’s blood red”. Colour in Ruby is probably the most important consideration to make, much more important than the clarity.When looking at colour, keep in mind that ruby can range in colour from pinkish to orangey and purplish and brownish red, depending on the chromium and iron content of the individual stone. When looking for and ideal colour, keep in mind the dispersion of colour throughout the stone, that it is evenly spread.

2. Ruby Cut

Ruby being a very precious stone, and when in a large size, is generally cut mostly in Oval faceted Ruby. Other cuts that ruby can be found are: Round Cut Ruby, Pear Cut Ruby, Emerald Cut Ruby, Marquise Cut Ruby, Square Cut Ruby, Cushion Cut Ruby, Cabochon Cut Ruby, and Baguette Cut Ruby.When looking at the cut of a Ruby, look for general visual proportion balance. If a stone is cut in an oval cut for example, look at it to see that one of the top and bottom are of equal measurements, and that one end does not bulge out more than the other end. Most Ruby cuts are performed by hand so therefore, often the cut may be slightly off from perfection. Visually you will see when the proportions are great and when they are too poor, with the naked eye.

3. Ruby Clarity

Rubies can be found in a range of clarity types. The most common is a faceted Ruby possessing silk like inclusions and needle type inclusions which are quite typical. As mentioned early, it would be very rare to come across a total inclusion free Ruby of ideal colour for a low price as this is rare. Some rubies if cut en ‘Cabochon’ may display the visual phenomenon of a six rayed star when a light is shone in the centre directly above the stone. The display is caused by the silk which follows its crystal axis and therefore when polished into cabochon top (domed top) will show the star to the observer.

4. Ruby Hardness

Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones available. The Moh’s scale of hardness is a universal scale for minerals showing their position in the scale as to compare which ones are harder than others. As an example the hardest known mineral is Diamond, given a 10 on Moh’s scale. The softest known mineral is Talc given a 1 on Moh’s scale.

Ruby comes in at a hardness of: 9.Routine EnhancementsA Natural Ruby usually displays quite a high amount of its diagnostic inclusion ‘Silk’. One of the treatments that is commonly adapted and widely accepted to Ruby is that of Heat treatment. Heating a ruby at certain laboratory temperatures may aid in the displacement of some of the silk that was there naturally, and therefore allows the ruby to display a higher brilliance than before.

Buying Ruby JewelleryWhether you are looking to buy Rubies for engagement rings, ruby set jewellery such as: ruby earrings, ruby rings ruby bracelets or loose rubies, we offer wholesale rubies for any type of need.Being a Melbourne based Ruby wholesaler, we can provide you with assurance and quality of all of your ruby Jewellery needs including custom made Jewellery.

History & Beliefs

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. Ruby is named after the Latin word ‘Ruber’ for red. To the ancients Ruby was known as the ‘King of Gems’. It was also regarded in some beliefs as being a representation of the sun. To others it represented healing, courage, devotion, happiness, integrity, generosity and romance. It has been noted that in history, warriors would implant rubies under their skin to bring Valour in battle. in some ancient cultures it was believed to be a curer for blood diseases, to stop bleeding and ensure good health if it was ground to a fine powder and placed under the tongue.In the middle ages people believed that the cosmos is reflected by gemstones. The ruby is assigned to the planets of Mars and Pluto. Rubies have always been held in high esteem in Asian countries. They were used to ornament armour, scabbards, and harnesses of noblemen in India and China. Rubies were laid beneath the foundation of buildings to secure good fortune to the structure.